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Welcome to the Staffordshire University guide
guide to living sustainably in Halls. From the gas we use for heating
the electricity consumed by lighting, the way we travel to the University
and the waste that we generate all these activities have an impact on the
environment. Our objective
is simple to reduce our environmental impact
and build a more sustainable University. Learn more at:
www.staffs.ac.uk/sustainstaffs
Life at University is all about
having three years that you'll never forget
But that 3 years can take its toll on the environment
global warming can be a real problem but the good news is we've got 10
easy tips
for you do your bit help save the environment.
In our halls of residence we typically waste 400 tonnes of rubbish
every year you can reduce this amount just by putting your rubbish in the right bin
another good tip is to keep all your recycling bins next to your general waste bin to
make it less tempting to throw everything into one bin
there also recycling stations on campus for your cans, bottles and plastics. Waste
management matters
Up to 60% of rubbish that ends up in the dustbin
Could be recycled. In over a year the unreleased energy
could be used to power a television for up to 5,000 hours. So if you're in private
accommodation
check out your local councils find out when and where you been changed
for further advice on recycling in private accommodation
please contact Stoke-on-Trent City Council Environment and Waste services
or Stafford Borough Council Recycling and Waste
You may think the waste you throw away is biodegradable but when food disintegrates it
releases methane a powerful greenhouse gas. A little bit of food doesn't really
matter
But when it eight million tonnes a year that's when it matters
the number one way reducing your food waste is to make a shopping list
plan what meals you're going to eat throughout the week work out what
ingredients you're going to need
and stick to the list that way you won't be buying ingredients or food that you won't use.
Transport isn't such a big problem as not many students bring a car to university
If you're considering bringing a car think if you really need it. Check how close your
residents are to the uni and see if there are any bus routes or cycle schemes to
help get you there and back every day. Cycling benefits your health
the environment and your pocket and forms an important part of the
university's sustainable travel plan. Did you know the route 5 in 55 of the
National Cycle Network
the NCN runs past the Stoke campus. The main
open section of NCN route 5 in Staffordshire offers traffic free
cycling
through Stoke-on-Trent some small sections of NCN route 5 &
NCN route 55 are open around Stafford although this requires some on road cycling
check out further information and initiatives
at www.staffs.ac.uk/sustainabletravel
Remember buses and trains offer student discount, petrol stations don't.
As you learn when your living in private accommodation heating is expensive
not only the costly for you but using unnecessarily is costly for the
environment
Don't just leave your heating on all the time most heating systems have a timer so
you can set it to come on
at key times in the day.
Water is one of the easiest things to waste but
one of our most precious resources
A tap left on for just 30 seconds can waste 3 litres of water
So when you're brushing your teeth, only have the tap on when you really need it.
Just because you're in university residence and not paying electric bill does not
mean it's not having an effect on the environment.
Lights and appliances that are left on account for 17 million pounds of waste
energy a year. So remember when you're not in the room turned off your appliances
and your lights. If you're in private accommodation
I need to change a lightbulb switch to energy-efficient light bulbs
they're better for the environment, they last longer saving you money
Turning electronic equipment off at the plug is one of the best ways to save loads of
energy
if you've got something plugged in and the appliances isn't on it's still using loads of
energy
so turn it off! More tips like these check out our interactive energy advice photos
at www.staffs.ac.uk/sustainstaffs
and look under sustainability in Halls
Most of us recycle paper these days but it's even better
if you don't use so much in the first place. When you go to print something out
think about what he really need it if you do then make sure your printing on
recycled paper
and that this gets pit in a recycling bin afterwards
Dropping something as simple as a crisp packet can lead to far bigger problems
litter attracts vermin and can quickly make the campus look messy
and not a good place to be around. If you ever end up with litter in your hands
hold on to it until you see a bin, however tempting it is to drop it on the floor
don't!
Living more sustainably isn't about changing everything you do
it simply about making sure you do the little things that make a big difference
For more advice on how you could help visit your university website
We'd love to hear your views and ideas on how we can sustain Staffs Uni
to get in touch contact us at sustain@staffs.ac.uk
or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sustainstaffs